Weakley County Soil Conservation District (WCSCD) and the Tennessee Division of Forestry are partnering to ensure 5th graders in Weakley County understand the value of trees in preventing soil erosion.
In March, 326 students will receive either a tulip poplar or sawtooth oak of their own. Their schools can choose from red, yellow or white oaks to plant on the school grounds.
Pam Porter, representative of WCSCD, reached out to school principals to arrange for the presentations which include demonstrating the proper way to plant the trees once the students have chosen their personal planting spot.
“Our board believes it is vital for students to learn at an early age the contributions trees make to soil conservation. What better way to educate than hands-on learning!” she said.
Porter also expressed appreciation to the Martin Tree Board and Weakley County Press for providing the materials needed to wrap the trees.
The schedule for each presentation day includes the live demo of planting the school tree, facts on soil conservation, and distribution of the gift trees to the students.
The schedule is as follows:
March 17 at 12:30 p.m. – Sharon School
March 18 at 11:15 a.m. – Dresden Middle School
March 18 at 1:15 p.m. – Gleason School
March 19 at 1:10 p.m. – Martin Elementary School
March 20 at 12:45 p.m. – Greenfield School